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The podcast discusses the hierarchy of perception and ethics. The human perception is not a passive recipient of sense data, but an active and conscious act that involves sacrifice and reduction of potential interpretations. Perception is tied to an ethics of aim, where attention is focused on what is deemed important, and the act of perception is nested within a structure that points to the highest ideals. The discussion explores how our perception of the world is influenced by an ethic of aim and the importance of determining what should be at the highest place.
The podcast highlights the problem of complexity and interpretation. Any reasonably complex environment is susceptible to an infinite number of interpretations, leading to the recognition that there is no fixed meaning for a text or object. This realization challenges the notion of objective reality and the idea of fixed meanings. The discussion brings attention to the need for a unified ethical structure in perception and interpretation to reduce the indefinite multiplicity of potential interpretations to self-evident truths. It emphasizes the importance of aiming properly and sacrificing idiosyncratic interpretations to attain clearer and more meaningful perceptions.
Awe and imitation are discussed as fundamental aspects of human perception and behavior. Awe is associated with the feeling of being in the presence of something greater and inspires reverence and a recognition of the transcendent. It is connected to our ability to imitate and learn from others, especially those we perceive as heroes or divine figures. The discussion highlights the intrinsic relationship between perception and an ethic of aim, where the act of perceiving is tied to values and the imitation of higher ideals.
The podcast explores the significance of celebration and worship as inherent aspects of human behavior. Celebration marks the recognition and elevation of achievements or ideals, often imitating and honoring individuals or events. Worship is seen as a form of celebration that involves the recognition and reverence of a divine figure or a higher purpose. The discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of sacred architecture, cognitive categories, and the perception of space, reflecting the hierarchical nature of human experiences and the challenge of determining what should be at the highest place.
When it comes to infants, compassion plays a crucial role in parenting. Infants are born completely helpless and reliant on their caregivers. It is essential to approach the needs of an infant with compassion and to prioritize problem-solving rather than judgment or punishment. However, as the child grows older, an excessive level of all-encompassing compassion can hinder their development. Balancing compassion with the encouragement of growth and development is crucial to foster independence and a sense of responsibility in children.
The idea of generating personal values is complicated as human beings are beset by fantasies, emotions, motivations, and impulsive behaviors that exist autonomously within us. The complexity of our nature and the limitations of a single lifetime make it challenging to generate values solely from within ourselves. Moreover, creating personal values without considering the impact on others or the requirement for negotiation can lead to a solipsistic and immature perspective. The encouragement of development, which requires a balance of justice and mercy, plays a crucial role in shaping personal growth and fostering a sense of responsibility.
The dismissal of the sacred and transcendent by rationalists and postmodernists has led to a questioning of objective reality itself. However, without the acknowledgment of a transcendent reality that transcends our knowledge, progress in science and the development of shared values become problematic. The mysterious and miraculous aspects of religion have a role to play in preserving culture, morality, and the recognition of an objective reality. The rejection of the transcendent and the dissolution of grand narratives often lead to a loss of direction and a proliferation of chaos in society.
We had the honor of having our dear friend Jonathan Pageau host this Beyond Order lecture in Montreal on May 23rd, 2022. Jonathan opens the show by describing how he first heard (and subsequently met) Jordan. This event, then, serves as a continuation of the conversations they first had. Throughout this hour-and-a-half-long event, Dr. Peterson and Jonathan Pageau discuss perception, symbolism, values, and the relationship between perception and the cognitive scientist’s attempts to understand consciousness.
—Links—
Check out Jonathan Pageau’s YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/channel/UCtCTSf3UwRU14nYWr_xm-dQ
Websites:
https://thesymbolicworld.com (speaking)
https://pageaucarvings.com (carving)
https://orthodoxartsjournal.org (writing)
—Chapters—
0:00 — Intro
4:55 — Dr. Peterson enters the stage
8:00 — Perception, Cognitive Science, and the problem of bodyless AI
11:30 — The visual cliff experiment & perceiving the world
18:30 — The awe of infinity & complexity of the Heavens
21:00 — Awe, imitation, & why humans celebrate
28:00 — The role of sacrifice & delaying gratification
32:00 — Egyptian gods & ancient symbolism
36:00 — Pyramids vs. mountains in The Bible
44:00 — The cost of not aiming properly
52:30 — Bottom-up vs. top-down conceptualizations of the world
57:00 — Sam Harris
1:05:00 — Why the Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equity types are taking on STEM
1:10:00 — Is it possible to create values from scratch? Nietzsche, Freud, & Jung
1:16:00 — Why go to church?
1:22:00 — Q&A
#Perception #BeyondOrder #JonathanPageau #Symbolism #Values #SamHarris
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode